Cefoxitin is a cephamycin antibiotic often grouped with the second-generation cephalosporins. It is active against a broad range of gram-negative bacteria including anaerobes. The methoxy group in the 7a position provides cefoxitin with a high degree of stability in the presence of beta-lactamases, both penicillinases and cephalosporinases, of gram-negative bacteria.

Mechanism of action

The bactericidal action of cefoxitin results from inhibition of cell wall synthesis.

Minimal (approximately 85 percent of cefoxitin is excreted unchanged by the kidneys over a 6-hour period).

Route of elimination

Approximately 85 percent of cefoxitin is excreted unchanged by the kidneys over a 6-hour period, resulting in high urinary concentrations. Cefoxitin passes into pleural and joint fluids and is detectable in antibacterial concentrations in bile.

Half life

The half-life after an intravenous dose is 41 to 59 minutes.

Clearance

Not Available

Toxicity

The acute intravenous LD50 in the adult female mouse and rabbit was about 8.0 g/kg and greater than 1.0 g/kg, respectively. The acute intraperitoneal LD50 in the adult rat was greater than 10.0 g/kg.

References

Matsuhashi M, Tamaki S: Enzymatic studies on the mechanism of action of cefoxitin. Correlation between the affinities of cefoxitin to penicillin-binding proteins and its rates of inhibition of the respective penicillin-sensitive reactions in E. coli. J Antibiot (Tokyo). 1978 Dec;31(12):1292-5. [PubMed:368000]

References

Matsuhashi M, Tamaki S: Enzymatic studies on the mechanism of action of cefoxitin. Correlation between the affinities of cefoxitin to penicillin-binding proteins and its rates of inhibition of the respective penicillin-sensitive reactions in E. coli. J Antibiot (Tokyo). 1978 Dec;31(12):1292-5. [PubMed:368000]

References

Matsuhashi M, Tamaki S: Enzymatic studies on the mechanism of action of cefoxitin. Correlation between the affinities of cefoxitin to penicillin-binding proteins and its rates of inhibition of the respective penicillin-sensitive reactions in E. coli. J Antibiot (Tokyo). 1978 Dec;31(12):1292-5. [PubMed:368000]

References

Matsuhashi M, Tamaki S: Enzymatic studies on the mechanism of action of cefoxitin. Correlation between the affinities of cefoxitin to penicillin-binding proteins and its rates of inhibition of the respective penicillin-sensitive reactions in E. coli. J Antibiot (Tokyo). 1978 Dec;31(12):1292-5. [PubMed:368000]

References

Matsuhashi M, Tamaki S: Enzymatic studies on the mechanism of action of cefoxitin. Correlation between the affinities of cefoxitin to penicillin-binding proteins and its rates of inhibition of the respective penicillin-sensitive reactions in E. coli. J Antibiot (Tokyo). 1978 Dec;31(12):1292-5. [PubMed:368000]

References

Matsuhashi M, Tamaki S: Enzymatic studies on the mechanism of action of cefoxitin. Correlation between the affinities of cefoxitin to penicillin-binding proteins and its rates of inhibition of the respective penicillin-sensitive reactions in E. coli. J Antibiot (Tokyo). 1978 Dec;31(12):1292-5. [PubMed:368000]

References

Matsuhashi M, Tamaki S: Enzymatic studies on the mechanism of action of cefoxitin. Correlation between the affinities of cefoxitin to penicillin-binding proteins and its rates of inhibition of the respective penicillin-sensitive reactions in E. coli. J Antibiot (Tokyo). 1978 Dec;31(12):1292-5. [PubMed:368000]